Marakele is home to the big 5 and most of the large mammals synonymous with the African bush, including elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah.

Large Predators such as lion, cheetah, brown hyena and leopard occur in the park - while resident antelope include, sable, kudu, eland, impala, waterbuck, tsessebe, hartebeest, wildebeest and many smaller species.

Chacma baboon and vervet monkey are two species to be watched carefully for mischief, particularly around the lodge.